Dayton Metro Library’s Get Outside Book ClubConnects Children with Nature and Literature

To a young child, the world is an amazing place to be explored. The Get Outside Book Club, which runs September 1 through October 31, encourages preschoolers to learn about nature through books and hands-on exploration.

“Books are the starting point, then children can explore and experience for themselves topics such as spiders, birds, nature in the city or wetlands,” said Dorri Hegyi, Children’s Services Librarian at the Miamisburg Branch Library and coordinator of the Get Outside Book Club. “It’s a great way for parents to introduce their young children to new topics, build their knowledge and help them feel more comfortable about new experiences,” said Hegyi.

Families can register for the Get Outside Book Club at any Dayton Metro Library location and receive a folder to keep track of the activities they do together. Once they’ve read six books on any nature-related topic and completed six outdoor activities, their child earns a prize that they can pick up at the Library. The Club concludes October 31.

Encounter the mysteries of the night! We’ll start with stories and songs, then we’ll take a walk with a MetroPark Naturalist exploring the changes that happen at dusk. Watch for owls along the way! Fun for the whole family. Hills and Dales MetroPark, Paw Paw Shelter, 100 Deep Hollow Rd.

FRI, 9/21 | 8 PM

Carriage Hill: HOME SWEET HOME

Listen to stories about animal homes. We’ll explore animal homes out in nature, make a visit to the wetland, and explore a prairie. Visitors are encouraged to visit the living history farm afterward. Carriage Hill Metro Park, Redwing Parking Lot, 7821 E. Shull Road.

WED, 9/26 | 10 AM

Taylorsville: POND EXPLORATION

Discover that we are all made of water! Enjoy stories from a Dayton Metro Librarian, then explore the pond in search of frogs, dragonflies, and other life. Taylorsville Metro Park, Hilltop Parking Lot, 1200 Brown School Rd.

WED, 10/3 | 10 AM

Englewood: NATURE PLAY

Read stories about nature exploration, then embark on your own adventures of discovering life and imagination. Englewood MetroPark, 4361 W. National Rd.

MON, 10/8 | 10 AM

Sugarcreek: SPACE TRAVELER

Travel to the moon, planets, and far beyond our galaxy as we make spaceships from items found in nature, and blast off with our imaginations! Sugarcreek MetroPark, Trailhead Parking Lot, 4178 Conference Rd.

THUR, 10/18 | 10 AM

Twin Valley: BIRD LIFE

What’s it like to fly through the sky? Explore bird diversity with stories and a hike. Germantown MetroPark, Twin Valley Welcome Center, 6910 Boomershine Rd.

ANIMAL TOOLS TO UNLOCK OUR WORLD

Are animals at all like us? Do they need homes too? Meet some wild animal guests including a native Turtle, Snake, and Owl. Hear their stories provided by Five Rivers MetroParks staff. Learn how we can all help our wild friends and enjoy playing outside.